In today’s economy every penny counts, which is why some people may be reluctant to spend extra money on gym memberships and fitness DVDs.Also, even though walking and running around your neighborhood are good free alternatives for working out, right now in most parts of the country it is very cold outside.

That is why I am happy to report that Comcast Cable offers exercise programs on their On Demand Channel.If you go to the On Demand Channel and click on Sports and Fitness, you will see a variety of exercise programs available; including an exercise program by Jillian Michaels (fitness trainer for the television show Biggest Loser).

So the next time you want to work out, but don’t want to step out in to the cold, or spend money on expensive gym memberships, turn on the On Demand Channel instead and check out all of the exercise programs available.

Have you ever found yourself sitting on your couch at midnight, eating a pint of ice cream, while watching skinny people prance around in leotards, promising that you can too lose 20 pounds in 20 days for the special price of $29.99?

Yes, infomercials, the promise of flat stomachs and smaller jeans, but do these products really work?I must say I have a sore spot for infomercials and advertisements that give me the illusion of becoming fit and slim again; so I have bought, tired, and reviewed the following items and diets:

1.Mari Winsor Pilates;

2.Yoga Booty Ballet;

3.The Firm Total Body TransFIRMation System;

4.The Jack La Lanne Power Juicer Classic;

5.Acai Berry Juice;

6.Atkins; and

7.Weight Watchers.

Read the articles below for my personal experience with each item listed above.

Please note, I am not a doctor, or health professional, and these reviews are based on my own personal experience.Individual results may vary, and you should consult with your physician before beginning any diet, or exercise plan.

This by far is my favorite workout DVDs.There is a 20 minute DVD, which I highly recommend for beginners, and there is a 50 minute DVD for advanced and quicker results.I can do both DVDs with ease, and after each workout I do feel tighter and more toned.I really like the 20 minute DVD because it gives me a quick workout and I barely break a sweat, but I can feel it working.However, you should be warned that some of the moves are intense, especially in the 50 minute DVD. So, if you’re not flexible, you might want to start out with the 20 minute DVD and take it slow.

My mother, who used to teach aerobics and goes to the gym every day, hurt her back while attempting the 50 minute DVD (it should be noted she never even tried the 20 minute DVD first).This is how I inherited the Mari Winsor Pilates DVDs for free, because my mom was in too much pain to ever use it again.However, I decided not to follow in my mother’s footsteps, and completed the 20 minute DVD for several weeks, before I advanced to the 50 minute DVD.

The Winsor Pilates website and infomercials promise results in several weeks by only working out 3 times a week for 20 minutes a day.While, I am sure you will see results by taking this route, I do recommend working out at least 4 to 5 times per week, from my own personal experience.I also noticed that since my mother purchased the DVDs several years ago, the Winsor Pilates website now offers additional products, such as a 10 minute Sculpting Blast Workout, and a bonus Sculpting Circle.

All in all, I really like these DVDs and feel tighter and more toned after I workout. I also feel that the exercises in this collection help ease tension and stretch out your body, providing greater flexibility.

I received these workout DVDs, also compliments of my mother for Christmas.I like that the DVDs come with a schedule for your workouts and also come with a small exercise ball.However, my system didn’t come with weights, and weights are used in some of the workouts.The instructors had a lot of energy and you were on your feet and moving around a lot. I found most of the moves pretty easy to follow, although at times a little challenging.

I definitely felt the workout in my body and lost about 5 pounds my first week using this system.My favorite DVD from the work-out collection is the Total Toning Basics, which is 45 minutes long.